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Author Spotlight: Controlled Human Exposure Model for Tick Research and Lyme Disease Studies
Published on: December 1, 2023
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Tick-Borne Pathogens Associated with Medically Important Ticks in Alabama: A Four-Year Survey
Raphael Ryan Wood1, Rosemary W Roberts1, Skyler M Kerr2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|December 28, 2022
Summary
Alabama ticks carry pathogens causing anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and spotted fever rickettsiosis. Further surveillance is needed to understand the full threat of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in the state.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant public health risk in the United States.
- Alabama has reported cases of TBDs, but lacked active surveillance for tick vectors and pathogens.
- A comprehensive survey was initiated to address this knowledge gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and distribution of TBD pathogens in Alabama ticks.
- To identify key tick vectors and the diseases they may transmit within the state.
- To inform public health strategies for TBD prevention and control in Alabama.
Main Methods:
- Ticks were collected across Alabama from 2018 to 2021.
- Collected tick samples were pooled for pathogen screening.
- Screening targeted a panel of known TBD pathogens circulating in the U.S.
Main Results:
- Pathogens for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and spotted fever rickettsiosis were detected in Alabama ticks.
- Agents for tularemia and Lyme disease were not found, despite prior human case reports.
- Heartland virus was not detected, contrasting with recent findings in other regions.
Conclusions:
- The study identified key TBD pathogens present in Alabama ticks, confirming known risks.
- The absence of certain pathogens warrants further investigation into potential surveillance or reporting discrepancies.
- Continued tick surveillance is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of TBD threats in Alabama.
